Research Paper Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Initiation, continuation of use and cessation of alternative tobacco products among young adults: A qualitative study Milkie Vu1, Betelihem Getachew1, Jackelyn B. Payne1, Thomas R. Kirchner2, Carla J. Berg1 ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Diverse non-cigarette alternative tobacco products are increasingly popular in the United States. This study investigates the reasons why young AFFILIATION adults initiate and continue the use of these products, as well as potential 1 Department of Behavioral motivations and approaches for quitting. Products assessed include cigarettes, Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, little cigars/cigarillos (LCCs), smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and hookahs. United States METHODS We conducted 60 telephone interviews, of 30-minute duration, with 2 College of Global Public Health, New York University, tobacco users enrolled in colleges in Georgia. Qualitative analysis was used to New York City, United States identify themes emerging from the data. CORRESPONDENCE TO RESULTS Reasons for initiation, continued use, and (potential) cessation showed Carla J. Berg. Emory University, similarities and differences across products. Most commonly cited reasons for 1518 Clifton Rd NE, 30322 Atlanta, United States. initiation included: peer influence (all products), flavors/tastes (all products except E-mail:
[email protected] cigarettes), and easy environmental access and/or low costs (LCCs, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes). Participants discussed several influences on continued KEYWORDS qualitative research, young use, such as peer influence (cigarettes, LCCs, and hookahs), stress management adults, alternative tobacco (all products except hookahs), and use with other substances (cigarettes, LCCs, products, tobacco use, college students and hookahs). Primary motivations for cessation mentioned by participants were family responsibilities (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and hookahs) and health concerns Received: 1 October 2017 (all products except e-cigarettes).